Afobe credits ‘humble’ Van Persie for support

Sarah Winterburn

Benik Afobe has hailed ‘humble’ Robin van Persie for the support he gave him when he was a youngster at Arsenal.

The Bournemouth striker – a £10m January signing from Wolves – spent time with the Dutchman when both were recovering from injuries.

“I remember [Van Persie] saying ‘live your life right and your time will come. Keep working hard, you’re a good player, you’re strong and quick and you can score goals. Just keep wanting to learn and improve and have confidence’,” he told the Daily Echo.

“When you are 18 or 19 and you hear that from the best striker in the Premier League at the time, it is great.

“It just shows how humble he is. I have always thought to myself that if ever I get to that stage, I will help younger players. He was such a good role model in how he lives, not just on the pitch but with how he looked after young players like me.”